Richard Carapaz soloed to victory on stage 18 of the Tour de France, attacking roughly three kilometers from the summit finish at Orcières-Merlette to claim the 185-kilometer Voiron–Orcières Merlette route. The Ecuadorian finished 45 seconds clear of Mauro Schmid and Matteo Jorgenson, while Tobias Halland Johannessen crossed the line in fifth.
Tadej Pogacar retained the yellow jersey, maintaining a lead of four minutes and 32 seconds over Remco Evenepoel in the general classification. Carapaz also moved within seven points of Pogacar in the King of the Mountains standings. Brandon McNulty abandoned the race during the stage.
Friday's 19th stage covers 128 kilometers from Gap to Alpe d'Huez, the race's iconic mountain finish.